Interview with Louise Mangos, Author of Five Fatal Flaws

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Five Fatal Flaws?

“Five Fatal Flaws” is about five flawed characters who may or may not be capable of committing one, or more, crimes. The characters are very dear to me, having been created in a series of flash fiction stories over the past few years, even before the actual crimes in the novel became part of the plot for my story.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Five Fatal Flaws, what would they be?

Each of my characters has a theme song. You’ll have to read to the book to find out the obvious connections: “Hurt” – Johnny Cash, “Back to Black” – Amy Winehouse, “The First Cut is the Deepest” – Rod Stewart, “Hip to Be Square” – Huey Lewis and the News, “Firestarter” – The Prodigy.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Although I predominantly write psychological suspense, my reading preference leans towards women’s literary fiction. I do still read a lot of suspense, though. In order to write in your genre, you should read in your genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

This is really a coincidence, but my TBR pile is filled with Louises: Louise Beech – ‘End of Story’, Louise Candlish – ‘Our Holiday’, Louise Doughty – ‘A Bird in Winter’.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favourite scene to write was the penultimate chapter. I obviously can’t give away anything about it as that would be a MASSIVE spoiler, but it is set in the Alpine mountain resort of Leysin in Switzerland, a place that is dear to my heart, where I spent many years as a young adult, and is the hometown of one of my characters.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No quirky habits apart from consuming massive amounts of tea to get me through my writing. But if I’ve had a satisfyingly productive day, a congratulatory glass or two of Prosecco is definitely my reward.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Never give up on your dreams.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I aim to provide a sense of place with my writing, to accompany my quirky characters, and I strive to write prose that touches the reader’s heart.

Louise Mangos is the author of the new book Five Fatal Flaws

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